Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The weakest link in the credit card paying process is the company that processes payments.CAUTION WHEN SAVING INTERNET HISTORY

Do not save credit card information online. Some web pages may
ask you to save your credit card information for future purchases. Do
not do this as someone can go back to that web page and have a shopping
spree at your expense.

Most online accounts remember your Username and give you the option to save your
Password. If you have a password saved, the account’s history will automatically
fill in the password after selecting the Username option. This is the same for
entering credit card numbers! If a web user logs into a shopping site you
previously visited on the same computer and decides to purchase something, they
might be able to use the same trick and select a credit card number that drops
down. Any time you use a public computer, never set the account to save your
Passwords and ALWAYS log out upon completion of your tasks. If you simply exit
out of the web browser, the next user can reopen the web page and be
automatically logged in as you. There is usually a set timeout period in which a
user can stay logged in if not active. This timeout period creates a window in
which a malicious user can navigate to that site and use it as if they
were you. Have you seen Facebook pages “hacked” by the user’s friend in which
they post embarrassing status updates? It’s the same idea, but with your credit
card and your private information.

CLEARING SENSITIVE INFORMATION

If you are worried about saved usernames and passwords, there is a way to
erase that memory from your computer. Before doing so, note that it will erase
MORE than your usernames and passwords. When you are ready, follow the steps
below:

In your browser (Internet Explorer is used in this example), you may
have a small tool bar; click the tools button in the upper right-hand
corner (shown above) and select “Internet Options”. In other set ups,
you may just see a small gear icon (shown right) to access the same
option.

Under the “General” tab of the “Internet Options” window (below, left),
select Delete to bring up the “Delete Browsing History” window.

In the “Delete Browsing History” window (below, right), select what data you want to delete.
NOTE: Before doing so, note that certain
selections will erase MORE than your usernames and passwords. It can
delete temporary files, history, cookies, saved passwords and web form
information. After a thorough clean-up, you may find that some processes
that were automatic now have to be completed manually (like typing out
full website addresses and populating online form fields that you may
fill out on a regular basis).

SAFE PRACTICES

Never send credit card or password information unencrypted via
email, txt, instant message, picture or video. Information can be
intercepted using online communications. If you are worried about one of
your accounts, change your Password. All accounts provide this service,
and it is certainly not a bad practice to periodically change your
passwords.

Finally, monitor your credit card statements regularly. Checking
your statements is not limited to mail or logging into the bank web
page. Banks and credit card companies have developed (or have begun
developing) smartphone applications allowing you to check your
statements quickly, easily and very securely.

If you are making a purchase online, a good way to tell that the site is
secure is if the website address begins with “https" rather than “http”. Https
allows for secure eCommerce transactions, such as online banking, by encrypting
the session with a digital certificate. Internet Explorer and Firefox display a
padlock icon to indicate that the website is secure.

As Julianne Pepitone for CNN news writes, “For
customers, the best thing to do is sit tight. If your card issuer thinks your
account may have been compromised, they'll contact you -- and no matter what,
you're not liable for unauthorized charges made on your account."

And Visa reassures "It's important for U.S. Visa
consumer cardholders to know they are protected against fraudulent purchases
with Visa's zero liability fraud protection policy, which exceeds federal
safeguards. As always, Visa encourages cardholders to regularly monitor their
accounts and to notify their issuing financial institution promptly of any
unusual activity."

The consumer is somewhat protected but, the more you ignore internet
security, the less financial institutions can do to help you. Protect your accounts, your
credit card information, and follow safe practices for online purchasing.

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